Town begins stormwater and roadway improvements

Pictured with a symbolic “check” are (l-r) Ed Hernandez of the South Florida Water Management District, Councilman Tim Meerbott and Vice Mayor Ed MacDougall.

The Town of Cutler Bay this month has begun several improvement projects in the Bel-Aire Community affecting the stormwater drainage system and roadways in the area.

With work expected to be completed in the upcoming months, it is anticipated that homeowners will benefit from the much-needed improvements that are designed to alleviate the existing drainage deficiencies in the area and improve the water quality of the stormwater runoff to the adjacent C-100N canal.

“This area has needed improved drainage for a long time,” said Mayor Paul Vrooman. “This project pro-tects the neighborhood and helps the environment and we’re proud to make it a priority to help our citizens.”

Homeowners residing along SW 200th Street and SW 197th Street within the Bel- Aire Sub-Basin will be impacted directly by the construction project. Once completed, the affected roadways will be resurfaced completely and additional stormwater drainage structures will become operational.

Work on the project began the first week of August and is expected to be completed in early October. Traffic patterns may be affected but access to local roads will be maintained.

Total costs for the improvements are about $450,000, to be funded through a grant awarded by the South Florida Water Management District in the amount of $210,000 and a $240,000 matching grant from the town’s Stormwater Utility Fund.

The Cutler Ridge Park parking lot also will be improved, with drainage structures installed throughout the lot to reduce the amount of runoff to the adjacent soccer fields. The parking lot also will be completely resurfaced upon completion.